Press release

10-04-03
Medical care outside Iraq for critical civilian cases urges Barrett

John Barrett, the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called for more assistance to be given to the victims of war in Iraq. Even with the humanitarian aid promised from outside Iraq, the Iraqi hospitals and medical services are struggling to cope with the tragic civilian injuries inflicted by the conflict. John Barrett believes that the medical expertise and hospital facilities in other Middle-Eastern, European countries and the USA should be utilised where possible to help those most in need.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

“After decades of negligence under Saddam’s regime, the Iraqi health system is on the point of collapse. Whilst minor injuries and less complicated procedures can be dealt with in Iraq, certain medical emergencies, such as those involving major limb damage require a level of equipment and expertise unlikely to be available in Iraqi hospitals.

“Surrounding countries have, throughout this war, shown their concern and support for innocent Iraqi civilians, we should enable, and encourage those countries with technologically advanced and well resourced health facilities to assist in the most critical medical cases.

“We have all been moved in the last few days by the plight of Ali Ismaeel Abbas, the innocent Iraqi boy who has lost both his arms and much of his family as a result of the war. Is there not space for Ali and others like him outside of the war zone? All concerned should pull together to do all they can to reduce suffering by utilising their spare medical capacity to assist those in need.”

ENDS